While we might disagree on what constitutes a sensible meal, a nice outfit or a reasonable bedtime, there’s one thing parents and kids can generally agree on: freshly baked goods make life a little bit brighter. York’s bakery scene is booming, so whether you fancy a tasty local breakfast, trying a local delicacy or need an easy lunch on the go for the whole family, these are our favourite bakeries in and around the city in no particular order.

1. Cosgriff & Sons

This lovely family-run sourdough bakery, opposite Clifford’s Tower, has become a firm favourite with bread lovers across the city since its recent opening. Famed for its sourdough loaves, the coffee and creative pastries are some of the best in the city too.

We love – The plain croissants are a masterpiece, and two of their large loaves keep us going for most of the week.

Seating – No, but you’re right next to Tower Gardens and the river, with benches and beautiful views. 

Address – Cosgriff & Sons, 14 Tower St, York YO1 9SA

2. The Bluebird Bakery

Make a beeline for The Bluebird Bakery for loaves, cakes, pastries and more. The little shop on Little Shambles is perfectly located for picking up an epic cheese straw on the run, but head out to the Acomb cafe and you can sit in and enjoy lunch while your children amuse themselves in the little children’s corner. 

We love – The salted caramel slices, brownies and 5 spice chickpea rolls

Seating – Not at Little Shambles, but the cafe in Acomb has large sharing tables and window seats and is spacious and welcoming. 

Address – Little Shambles, York, YO1 L1Y and 201 Acomb Rd, Acomb, York YO24 4HD

3. Parlormade Scone House

If it’s scones you’re after, it’s Parlormade that you need. This wonderfully quirky cafe is THE place to go for scones in York. There’s an ever-changing menu of sweet and savoury flavours to take away, or sit in the cafe and enjoy a full cream tea with a good old pot of Yorkshire. If scones aren’t your thing (really?!), there are other things on the menu too!

We love – All of it, but if we had to choose a favourite, then the cheese scones would get our vote. 

Seating – Yes, tables and stairs upstairs in the cafe. Due to the age of the building, it’s sadly not accessible for wheelchairs or buggies. 

Address – Parlormade, 1 Little Shambles, York YO1 7LY

4. Little Blondie Bakehouse

For sweet treats with a twist, head to Little Blondie Bakehouse on Walmgate. This colourful little place has built up quite a following, thanks to creative takes on all things sweet. The cake cups are epic, and there are delicious pastries, cheesecakes, brownies and much more. The coffee is delicious too.

We love – The viral crookies and blondies of all flavours. 

Seating – No, but you’re in the city centre with plenty of seating nearby. 

Address – 66 Walmgate, York YO1 9TL

5. Heppni Bakeri

Brand new to the York bakery scene, Heppni Bakeri is a bright, welcoming place to pick up a freshly made bake or sit in and enjoy a coffee and cake with the family. There’s a Scandi-inspired twist, and everything we’ve tasted so far has been delicious.

We love – The cardamom buns are unbelievably good, and the banana bread is a favourite with our kids. 

Seating – Yes, tables and chairs 

Address – 14 Swinegate, York YO1 8AZ

6. Flori

This lovely little neighbourhood bakery is a popular spot for early-rising parents in need of a caffeine and pastry fix. Expect beautiful handcrafted pastries, good coffee and queues on a weekend morning. 

We love – The cardamom rolls and seasonal specials using fruit from the Flori allotment. 

Seating – A small amount of pavement seating outside. 

Address – 9 Scarcroft Rd, York YO23 1ND

7. Bettys

Eating in at Bettys can feel like an investment (financially, but also in the time you’ll spend queuing). For a taste of the iconic Bettys experience without the price tag, pop in to the shop and pick up some of their Swiss-inspired baked goods to enjoy at home or al fresco (the Museum Gardens are less than five minutes away). 

We love – The fondant fancies, novelty animal cakes and pretty macaroons. Their fat rascals are the stuff of legends. 

Seating – If you’re treating yourselves to sitting in, you’ll have the pleasure of heavy silver teapots, white crockery and the famous warm Bettys welcome. Even if it looks busy, it’s worth knowing that there’s a large downstairs area.

Address – 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP

8. Crumbs Cupcakery

If cupcakes are your thing, Crumbs Cupcakery is your place. Choose from one of their many flavours and tuck in at an outdoor table with views of York Minster. If the weather’s not kind, there’s a nice relaxed atmosphere indoors.

We love – Any cupcakes involving salted caramel and the Jammy Dodger specials

Seating – Yes, inside and out

Address – 10 College Street, York YO1 7JF

9. Little Arras

One of our absolute favourites, Little Arras is a real hidden gem. If you’re knocking up a picnic, the Little Arras ciabatta will make those cheese and pickle sandwiches sing, and it would be rude not to pick up one of their cool cakes for pudding. There’s an ever-changing rotation of delicious bakes that (almost) look too good to eat. It’s a popular spot among locals for an early weekend coffee and pastry. 

We love – Top notch palmiers, delectable Danishes and all the breads…

Seating – Yes, a small number of tables and chairs.

Address – Little Arras, 50 Goodramgate,  York YO1 7LF

10. Brew and Brownie Bakeshop

Heart set on brunch at Brew and Brownie, but can’t face the queue? Good news – the Brew and Brownie Bakeshop is just a couple of doors along the road and it’s lovely. Fresh bakes, epic sarnies, great coffee and stuffed cookies are the order of the day. It’s a lovely bright space to sit in, or take away and head to the Museum Gardens.

We love – The Rolo stuffed cookies. So good.

Seating – Yes

Address – Brew and Brownie Bakeshop, 9 Museum Street, York YO1 7DT

11. The biga+ 

For something a bit different, thebiga+ is a small but spectacular Italian bakery where mouthwatering cannoli and calzone are the order of the day. You can even get fried lasagne! It’s a real gem that’s well worth seeking out.

We love – It’s a toss-up between the calzone and the pistachio cannoli. 

Seating – No

Address – thebiga+, 67 Walmgate, York YO1 9TZ

12. Haxby Bakehouse Deli

This one is outside York city centre, but we can’t put together a guide to the best bakeries in York without mentioning Haxby Bakehouse. This local bakery supplies their delicious bread to many of the cafes and restaurants in York, but you can visit their shop in Haxby to stock up on many of their iconic bakes. They’ve also recently opened Haxby Bakehouse The Unit, which has more seating.

We love – Their morning buns, hot cross buns, mince pies, loaves…Well, all of it.

Seating – Yes, limited

Address – Haxby Bakehouse, 2 Ryedale Court, Haxby, York YO32 3SA/Haxby Bakehouse The Unit, YO30 4XD

13. Partisan

Partisan is a beautiful, independent family-run cafe on Micklegate serving delicious locally sourced food and good coffee. They have a mouthwatering selection of cakes, tarts and scones that are made fresh, and gluten-free and vegan options are always available. 

We love – The ever-changing selection of seasonal buns

Seating – Yes, upstairs and down

Address – 112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX